Due to their similar names, many homeowners get confused about selecting quartz and quartzite countertops. However, they both have distinctive characteristics and natures. So, in this article, we have planned a detailed walk-through of quartz vs. quartzite. Additionally, we will take a closer look at each difference, including maintenance, cost, and durability. So keep engaged with us now.
What Is The Difference Between Quartz And Quartzite?
when it comes difference between quartz and quartzite countertops. Each material has a high level of durability and longevity. However, due to name similarities, it often gets confused. Instance, quartz is an engineered stone that is manufactured with 99 to 98% polymers, resins, pigments, and quartz crystal. That makes the highly striking appearance. Its sleek, luminous, and glistening surface also throws epic visualization into any space.
On the contrary, quartzite is a natural stone that comes with high-end durability and longevity. And it is made under the intense heat and pressure of quartz mineral-rich sandstones. This is the main difference between quartz and quartzite.
It was just a general concept for your understanding materials; we will study deeply the quartz vs. quartzite countertops. Plus, we will also get into how we can use it for the kitchen countertops. Along with that, it is mandatory to get insights about its features and utility for high-traffic areas like kitchens or bathrooms. Moreover, we will also recommend the best material for kitchen countertops later after the full discussion for home remodeling.
Quartz Vs Quartzite Countertops
Quartz resembles quartzite in terms of appearance and importantly, it has many notable differences too. What are those let’s discuss them in the quartz vs quartzite section.
Quartz Appearance
The quartz has variations that can be made during the manufacturing process. For instance, quartz hues have multiple options due to the initial pigment dyeing process. So there are open-ended choices for the homeowners to go with their preferences. Like the patterns, designs, and veining for specific appearance.
“The main difference between quartz and quartzite is the natural veining that makes it distinctive from marble and quartz countertops.”
Quartzite Appearance
Quartzite is a natural stone that is blended by nature under the intense heat pressure of quartz minerals-rich sandstone. So, it has restricted color variations but is hard to ignore. It made the flawless texture that often displays the pinkish, red, or dark hues veining due to the iron oxide combination. So it is also a noticeable difference.
Heat & Water Resistance
When discussing between quartz and quartzite countertops for kitchen use. How can we forget the features and details that are the pivotal thing? Because the countertops are meant to be installed in high-traffic places like kitchens or bathrooms. Or it must cater to the requirements of heat, moisture, or regular contact with water. So how to decide between quartz and quartzite countertops as per their water and heat resistance features? Let’s find it below.
Quartz Heat or Water Resistance
While manufacturing the binding of resins, polymers, and quartz crystals that encounter regular wear and tear. For instance, quartz is highly resistant to stains, water, and heat because the binders act as a reluctant army or as a main sealant. Additionally, with the presence of resin binders quartz enables active combat against high temperatures and is effortlessly vulnerable to heating objects. That is how it comes up as the best kitchen countertops ensuring longevity too.
Quartzite Heat or Water Resistance
The quartzite used for kitchen countertops also comes up with great durability due to the quartz-rich minerals sandstone. It makes the wonderful kitchen centerpiece that encounters the regular accidents of placing hot pans over the top of the countertops without heating pads. Moreover, when it comes to water resistance it often lacking in it than the quartz due to its porous surface that has the ability for water absorption or staining.
How to Take Care of Your Quartz Vs Quartzite Countertops at Home?
So, after installing the quartz countertops it is important to understand the limitations of keeping it in good condition for decades.
Quartz Maintenance
Quartz combination enables robustness, durability, and higher efficacy than other materials. However, it is relatively easy to maintain than quartzite countertops. Additionally, it is highly resistant to scratches, stains, water, heat, dents, chips, and nicks, and withstands any wear and tear beautifully. Along with that, its rich binders protect its surface from breakage and make long-lasting usage.
Quartzite Maintennace
Quartzite is far harder than quartz because it is a natural rock material that has high-end durability and stays long. Additionally, it is also highly resistant to scratches, dents, or chips. However, it doesn’t require regular sealants for maintenance. Just make sure to care for it while cleaning it with water or liquid soap that does not let seeping in. The sealant is required at least once or twice a year.
Quartz Vs Quartzite Cost
The main difference between quartzite and quartz is its cost. Like the quartz that has a marvelous combination of pigments, resins, and polymers that can be dyed with multi-color variations. That is often slightly lower than quartzite.
Quartzite countertops are cut in solid slabs that keep up the texture, color, and natural veining for more than decades. However, the cost is higher or double than the quartz due to its quarrying, cutting, labor cost, and finishing.
Final Thoughts
In the discussion between quartz vs quartzite, quartz is an engineered stone that has a high level of durability but not more than quartzite. Quartzite is a natural stone that has longevity and functionality with dent-free, scratch-resistant, and heat-resistant features. That is the perfect choice for kitchen countertops. Regarding cost analysis, quartz is affordable than quartzite. However, everything depends on budget and preferences. Both of the materials has outstanding qualities and appearances that set the stage with their looks.
Where to Buy?
Visit SK Stones – Your premier showroom of natural stones or engineered stones perfect for your home remodeling projects. Get free consultation from expert remodelers and elevate your home stunning with aesthetic décor.